WITHIN THE FELLOWSHIP:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Rich Kapusta 17th; Betty Weber 18th; Vanessa Martindell, Peg Mower 20th; Sylvia Mahoney, Genie Smedberg 21st; Alison Grater, Lori Maxwell 22nd.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Andy and Joan Tawney 17th; Ken and Wanda Ritter 19th; Harold and Sylvia Holloway 20th.
THE SERMON TITLE this morning is Jesus Christ Is Our Example! Paul’s call to unity with Christ climaxes with a brilliant hymn exalting Jesus Christ as our supreme example through His humiliation, His sacrificial death and His exaltation at His Father’s righthand. The proclamation of Christ’s birth came by an angel from heaven; yet Jesus miraculous birth was in a lowly manger and his life on earth is portrayed by humiliation and by the final rejection leading to His sacrificial death on a cross. Yet, Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation proves His victory over sin; He whom all men will one day bow down. Let us follow in His steps in obedient faith with an assured hope of being with Him in glory.
THE THIRD CANDLE on the Advent Wreath is the candle of Faith. When Jesus was born, the faith of God’s people in the promises of God, beginning already in the Garden of Eden, was vindicated. The promise of God is one of grace, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ’s redeeming work and have peace with God. It’s our joy to share the good news about faith in Jesus which brings us to peace with God.
ISSUES & ANSWERS
- Today – Galen Burkholder, Tim Bentch – Global Disciples
- Dec. 20 – Why the God-Man? – Dave Reich
- Dec. 27 – What is Reformed Theology? Introduction – Dave Reich
WE WELCOME GALEN BURKHOLDER to Leidy’s Church this morning. He will introduce us to Global Disciples, the ministry with which we’ll be working in our Gospel Gleanings program. We’re looking forward to his casting a vision for outreach the unreached people groups of Chad and Niger.
THE FLOWER CHART FOR 2021 is posted on the wall in the narthex for those who would like to sponsor flowers for our sanctuary. The chart will be posted until the end of December.
SIGN-UP SHEETS are on a table outside the sanctuary to sign up for the 2021 Committees of consistory. Read over the responsibilities of each committee and prayerfully consider where you might best serve the Lord and Leidy’s Church.
MARCH FOR LIFE BUS SIGN-UP sheet is posted on the narthex wall. It’s first-come, first served! The date of the 2021 March for Life is Friday, January 29th. Thanks to some undergirding financial support from the Church and Community Committee, the cost for the round-trip ride on a plush Perkiomen Tours coach is still only $12. You’re welcome to inform others who might be interested in this opportunity to bear witness for LIFE.
A FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE worship service begins at 7:00. Pre-service music will begin at 6:30. There will be carols to sing and scripture readings. You may also view the service in the Fellowship Hall. The service will conclude with a candle lighting service.
THANK YOU to my church family for all the birthday cards and kind words. Feeling so blessed and loved. God bless. Nelda
KRISTA TYSON is interning at Worthwhile Wear, an organization that helps women who are survivors of human trafficking. These women would like to give back to other women who find themselves in a similar situation, or who are vulnerable to being trafficked. They are looking for donations this holiday season for them such as: tube socks, toiletries (toothbrush, shampoo, soap, etc), gloves, hats, scarves, masks, feminine products, drawstring bags, and hand sanitizer. There will be a box in the coat closet labeled Worthwhile Wear where you can place your items, donations will be accepted until January.
TODAY IS INTRODUCTION DAY for Gospel Gleanings. The bulletin insert provides much background information on the newly initiated Gospel Gleanings project focusing on the countries of Chad and Niger. Galen Burkholder from Global Disciples will explain how Leidy’s Church can help plant churches among the Unreached People Groups of Chad and Niger. Two tables in the narthex are manned by friendly Mission Committee personnel who are eager to get you geared up for gleaning. Be sure and visit them and get to gleaning!
HELP IS NEEDED in childcare during the worship service. Would you like to get to know the children at Leidy’s Church a little better? The best way to do that is to volunteer in the Nursery, in the Lambs, or in Children’s Church. Help is especially needed in Children’s Church. Contact Justine Smith if you would like to help in any of these childcare areas. Please make sure that you have your background checks that are needed in order.
PRAYER-POINTERS. Here are two prayer points for this week as we pray for the Gospel Gleanings outreach to the Erukulu people:
- Pray for God to bless the Erukulu literacy students with a desire to walk in the law of the Lord. As they learn to read via Bible-content materials, may their hearts resonate with joy as they learn the will of God for human thoughts and actions.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to encourage the literacy teachers in their ministry of education. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill their lives with the love of God’s Word that communicates the same to their students.
GATHERING FOR CAROLING will happen today at 1:45 with a 2 o’clock departure intended. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall. After caroling the teams will meet back in the Fellowship Hall for hot food and beverages.
A CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION SERVICE begins at 8:45 with pre-service music beginning at 8:30. The service will conclude with a candle lighting service.
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to order poinsettia plants. Plants may be placed in memory or in honor of someone. The cost of the plant is $15. Someone will be in the narthex after Sunday School and the service to take your order.
NEW PRECEPT STUDY – Galatians – Who Has Bewitched You? Why and How? We have freedom because Christ made us free. Stand strong, do not change and go back to the slavery of the Law (5:1). Galatians is a God-breathed book written with a confident hand. Paul was not shaken, he didn’t waver, and his belief didn’t falter. Neither should ours! Classes begin on January 6th from 9-11:30, leader, Marci Stunkard followed by video teaching. To order workbooks please contact Verna at 215-237-1370. Cost of the workbook is $16.
PATTERNS OF PRAYER take place the first and third Saturdays of each month. We pray in the morning from 10 to 12 in Rm. 117. Participants are welcome to come and go as schedules permit/necessitate. This Saturday is the third Saturday of December, so we’ll be praying and you’re welcome to join as well. If you have any questions or suggestions for prayer, please speak with Patricia Martindell.